When reports began coming in, late August 2017, that tropical storm Harvey was headed for the coast of Texas and had the power to become a hurricane, Convoy of Hope began preparing. A large convoy of tracter-trailers and specialty disaster response vehicles headed for the Texas coast. Within hours of the hurricane making landfall Convoy of Hope was there — distributing relief supplies such as food, water and hygiene items.

A Post-Harvey Year

This week marks one year since Hurricane Harvey struck Texas causing massive flooding that resulted in an estimated $125 billion in damage. Come heat, rain and even snow, Convoy has remained in Texas in a longterm response effort.

In the last year since Harvey hit, Convoy of Hope has sent more than 10 million pounds of relief and rebuilding supplies to Texas. A warehouse was acquired in Baytown, where rebuilding materials such as sheetrock, dry wall and insulation were stored until they could be delivered to those trying to rebuild their homes.

The Mouton’s, one family affected, experienced more than 12 inches of water flooding their home, forcing them to remove all of the house’s drywall. They estimate they lost about 75% of their belongings —including furniture, appliances and pictures. That is where Convoy, with the help of our great supporters, was able to step in and bring hope.

Neighborhood Events

Convoy is also holding Neighborhood Events in Harvey-affected areas of southeastern Texas. At these events families can receive a warm meal, groceries, children’s shoes and more. The first Texas Neighborhood Event took place in Houston in early August 2018, where more than a thousand people attended.

“The goal of these events is to help these communities flip the switch from disaster to hope,” Disaster Community Care Outreach Director Mark Cox says.

You can continue to follow our work in Texas at convoyofhope.org.

Keys for first completely rebuilt home in Puerto Rico presented to homeowner.

Joany has lived through many hurricanes, but Maria was one of the worst — destroying many homes in the Puerto Rican village of Villa Esperanza, including Joany’s. From a friend’s home in another village, Joany could see everything being blown away at home.

“It was a really crazy experience, because coming back and not having anything and seeing everything destroyed, you feel like you have nothing else to hold onto,” Joany says.

Convoy of Hope arrived in Puerto Rico just days after Hurricane Maria struck the island and began distributing relief supplies to families in need. As the response transitioned from meeting immediate needs to longterm relief, Convoy began helping repair and rebuild homes destroyed by the storm.

Groups from all over the U.S. came to Puerto Rico in partnership with Convoy as Field Teams. The teams helped in the rebuilding houses around Villa Esperanza — from laying the foundation to the final coat of paint.

Joany’s house was the first of many to be completed in that area. As the Convoy team handed Joany the keys to her new home she was overcome with happiness.

“I started to cry,” says Joany of the moment she received the keys to her new home. “But I was crying happy tears, because I have a house.”

The continued support of people like you makes these moments of hope possible. For Joany and many others in Puerto Rico, home is where the hope is.